File Vault is the cryptographic file system developed by [http://www.apple.com Apple] and introduced with MacOS 10.3.

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# If on, leave on. If off, leave off.

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File Vault works by storing each user's home directory in an encrypted "[[.sparseimage]]" file. The file is automatically mounted when the user logs in and unmounted when the user logs out. All of the user's files and preferences are stored in this file. The file's encryption key is stored in the .sparseimage file, but that encryption key is itself encrypted with the user's login password.

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# Collect and preserve other surrounding and related devices.

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# Retain [[search warrant]] (if necessary - [[LE]]).

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# Return device to forensic lab if able.

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# Use [[forensically sound]] tools for processing.

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== Notes ==

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There are no known attacks against File Vault other than a brute force attack on the user's password.

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Expand on 5 as to what to collect:

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As of OS X 10.5 (Leopard) Apple have moved from AES-128 to AES-256 for the encryption used in the disk image.

# Research the [[Cell Phone]]. Visit PhoneScoop.com for more information

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Revision as of 05:39, 26 October 2007

File Vault is the cryptographic file system developed by Apple and introduced with MacOS 10.3.

File Vault works by storing each user's home directory in an encrypted ".sparseimage" file. The file is automatically mounted when the user logs in and unmounted when the user logs out. All of the user's files and preferences are stored in this file. The file's encryption key is stored in the .sparseimage file, but that encryption key is itself encrypted with the user's login password.

There are no known attacks against File Vault other than a brute force attack on the user's password.

As of OS X 10.5 (Leopard) Apple have moved from AES-128 to AES-256 for the encryption used in the disk image.